Wednesday, June 11, 2014

We tackled the rear next. The rear axle was assembled and put into place while we waited for the rear BONZI YJ Springs to arrive. When we went to mount them we found the right rear shackle mount was bent and needed straightened. It ended up being a test of how strong the new shackles are. We installed the new bushings and shackle then took a Hi-lift and supported across the other side of the frame and cranked the jack. It took a lot pressure to get it aligned. The shackle didn't even know we were cranking on it.

The existing rock sliders interfered with the mounts to relocated the attachment point of the spring on the frame. A little love from a hand grinder made it possible to mount them.

After everything was attached we bleed the brakes and took it out for a spin on a 30° ramp at Pomona Gear. We were able to sit on top @ 29"! Even better is the highway performance. No more wonder, bump steer or high speed wobbles. All 100% gone!

Trail Tough EPIC TREK on 30° Ramp @ 29"

Trail Tough EPIC TREK on 30° Ramp @ 29"

Trail Tough EPIC TREK on 30° Ramp @ 29"

Caption This!

Trail Tough EPIC TREK Towing Trailer

On Display at Perris Auto Speedway

Checking Rear Travel

Checking Front Travel

For more information or to order quality Trail Tough Products from the Medford, Oregon based company, please visit their website at www.trailtough.com or give them a call at 1-877-SUZUKIS (877-789-8547).

Be a part of the Oil Twins Suzuki Samurai joining AMSOIL – Oil Twins, Kumho Tires and Trail Tough Products. To promote your product or business and be exposed to tens of thousands of potential customers at race events, car shows, and expositions, please contact Andy Jones at 909-670-9328 or mailto:andy.jones@oiltwins.com.

The build continued with completion of the front end, Several modifications were needed to finish this half.

1. The steering arm provided that mounts to the right knuckle needed to be ground to accommodate the larger brake calipers from the four door Sidekick used as our engine donor.

Bracket Modified to Fit Sidekick Caliper.

2. The brake lines needed to be limited from contacting the Kumho M/T tires. A rubber tie down from Harbor Freight was the perfect solution. It mounted nicely to the retainers provided. Once the retainers were repositioned on the brake line, the strap was attached with to the frame.

Custom Brake Line Straps Note: Shocks are now mounted on frame.

3. The aftermarket front bumper mounts between the frame. The missing link uses the same holes as it does, the bumper tabs has to be narrowed a half inch. This was achieved with a torch, hammer and a pipe wrench. Thanks to Eric Juengling for the help.

Front Axle Completed

Once the tires were mounted and hit the ground toe was set at 1/4" in and the stock front drive shaft was attached with provided spacers and bolts. Note: this solution is adequate, but we highly recommend to plan on upgrading your drive shafts. Stay tuned for more on this in future posts.

With the front completed we moved on to the rear. See you in Update 6!

For more information or to order quality Trail Tough Products from the Medford, Oregon based company, please visit their website at www.trailtough.com or give them a call at 1-877-SUZUKIS (877-789-8547).

Be a part of the Oil Twins Suzuki Samurai joining AMSOIL – Oil Twins, Kumho Tires and Trail Tough Products. To promote your product or business and be exposed to tens of thousands of potential customers at race events, car shows, and expositions, please contact Andy Jones at 909-670-9328 or mailto:andy.jones@oiltwins.com.